Andrew Bayly

The University of Leeds School of Chemical and Process Engineering is recruiting motivated PhD candidates for several fully funded projects in partnership with leading industrial and research organisations. These projects span high-impact areas such as nuclear engineering, surfactant powder engineering, and sustainable agriculture, and are delivered in collaboration with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training, Innospec, Syngenta, and UKAEA. Project 1: High-Fidelity Flow Measurement Methods for Molten Salt Systems This project, in partnership with UKAEA and the SATURN CDT, focuses on developing advanced diagnostic tools for measuring flow and temperature distributions in molten salt environments relevant to next-generation nuclear reactors. The research involves sensor development, experimental fluid mechanics, and high-temperature instrumentation, with work conducted at state-of-the-art facilities at Leeds and UKAEA. The project supports the UK's clean energy and nuclear ambitions and offers comprehensive technical and professional training. Project 2: Engineering Surfactant Powders: Drying Dynamics, Structure and Performance In collaboration with Innospec, this PhD project investigates the fundamental science of surfactant powder formation, linking formulation chemistry, drying dynamics, and powder performance. The research uses advanced experimental platforms, including acoustic levitation and synchrotron X-ray scattering, to study nanoscale structure development. The project offers industrial placements and is ideal for candidates interested in experimental research and industrial collaboration. Project 3: Engineering Chemical Transport Through Leaf Waxes for Sustainable Agriculture This project, in partnership with Syngenta, aims to understand molecular transport through plant leaf waxes to improve agrochemical delivery and sustainability. The research combines model systems and real plant waxes to study diffusion, material properties, and selectivity between crops and weeds. The project includes opportunities for industrial placements and is suited to candidates with backgrounds in chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields. All projects are open to UK applicants only and provide full tuition coverage and a tax-free stipend (£20,780/year for 3.5–4 years). Applicants should have a relevant Masters or exceptional Bachelors degree, strong academic records, and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall, 5.5 in each component). Applications are made online via the University of Leeds portal, specifying the relevant programme and supervisor. Early informal enquiries with supervisors are encouraged. These opportunities offer hands-on research, industrial engagement, and training in cutting-edge topics such as chemical engineering, materials science, nuclear engineering, and sustainable agriculture. The University of Leeds fosters an inclusive and diverse research environment and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

EPSRC CDT in Future Fluid Dynamics at the University of Leeds is advertising a 2026/27 Integrated MSc + PhD programme with a research project on particle-droplet collisions from fundamentals to application. This opportunity is positioned as a fully funded PhD within a collaborative doctoral training environment, with strong links to industry partners including Danone, Nestlé, and Procter & Gamble . The project sits in the broad area of fluid dynamics , with relevance to multiphase flows, applied mechanics, and industrially relevant research. The post emphasizes a vibrant, collaborative research environment and the chance to gain real-world experience alongside doctoral research. It is suitable for applicants interested in cutting-edge experimental or theoretical work in fluid dynamics and related engineering/physics topics. Application deadline: June 30, 2026 (final call; applications close tomorrow). How to apply: Use the application link provided in the post and submit before the deadline.